A methodology for assessing the main difficulties faced by SMEs in implementing ISO 9001:2015 requirements

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) stand out in the economy of countries, since they act as a source of income and employment for the population, social cohesion, market diversification, in addition to contributing to poverty reduction. Currently, companies around the world have faced the consequences of the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, mainly SMEs. The demand for initiatives that contribute to increasing the productivity of SMEs is related to their importance for the countries' economy. One of the factors to increase the competitive capacity of SMEs is to encourage quality and compliance certification through the ISO 9001. This paper proposes a methodology for assessing the main difficulties faced by SMEs in implementing ISO 9001:2015 requirements. This research is exploratory and qualitative. A case study was carried out in two Brazilian enterprises. The results indicate that the barriers associated with the implementation of the requirements are mainly associated with leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decision making and risk management. This study provides important conclusions for managers of SMEs in implementing the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015.